Updated: Springville Sports Grill opens in Plover
Note: Updated to correct that Memories Wedding & Banquet Hall remains in its location.
PLOVER — A little over a year ago, Emmy Danielski said he viewed the reconstruction of Post Road as an opportunity for the rebirth of his restaurant, Springville Wharf Eatery & Pub.
The $36 million state Department of Transportation project to widen Post Road, scheduled to begin in spring 2016, was set to consume the parking lot in front of the strip mall where the Springville Wharf was located at 1800 Post Road. Two other nearby businesses had already moved: O'so Brewing Co. relocated to a new 11,000-square-foot facility at 3028 Village Park Drive in Plover in late 2011, and JadeCo Stamp & Hobby headed to 927 Main St.
Danielski has now made his own move, opening Springville Sports Grill this month at 2811 Plover Springs Drive. The location also is home to Memories Wedding & Banquet Hall. Emmy's wife, Mary, said the restaurant already is serving customers, while the owners are planning a grand opening for Dec. 6.
Mary Danielski said people will recognize many of the signature dishes from Springville Wharf, such as the Italian cheese fries, but the staff will establish a revised menu around the start of 2015.
Not only are the Danielskis embarking on a fresh start for their restaurant, which they have owned for seven years, but they also are taking on new partners. Matt and Sara Bella of Plover have joined the team of owners and eventually will take over the business.
"We were looking to invest in something locally, and this was a great opportunity," Sara Bella said. "I'm happy that we get to be a part of a restaurant that has been here for a long time, and that we are helping to keep it local moving forward."
Emmy Danielski said he had originally considered the possibility of building a new restaurant, but the opportunity to take over the Memories location was a better fit. The site had been used for only 40 to 50 events annually, and he and the other owners could do some easy renovations. Today, the restaurant has new flooring, a bar with several big-screen televisions, and booths from the old restaurant.
Matt Bella said the business will also take advantage of the nearly 13,000 square feet of usable space in the building to continue to host weddings and banquets, and the owners would like to add other features such as live music. The business already has about 40 events scheduled over the next year, he said, and aims to host an event every weekend.
"We're excited because this new location gives us the opportunity to continue to serve our customers and also do a lot of new things," Mary Danielski said.
Nathan Vine can be reached at 715-345-2252. Find him on Twitter as @SPJNathanVine.
About Springville Sports Grill
Springville Sports Grill is located at 2811 Plover Springs Dr. The restaurant will be open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The bar will be open until 2 a.m each day. For more information, search Springville Sports Grill on Facebook or www.memoriesofplover.com.